Brussels sports infrastructure to get €8.5 million investment

The Brussels government has launched a new call for projects for the renovation, modernisation and expansion of sports infrastructure within the capital’s municipalities.

A total of €8.5 million is being allocated for this purpose, said Karine Lalieux (PS), Brussels state secretary responsible for sports infrastructure.

According to Lalieux, Brussels municipalities have indicated that much of their sports infrastructure is in need of renovation or modernisation, or needs to be brought up to current standards.

The call for projects will enable concrete improvements to existing facilities to be funded.

“Sport is a fantastic catalyst for personal development, health and community building,” said Lalieux.

“But the implementation of a sports policy must not be reserved exclusively for local authorities that have the resources to invest.”

Due to the difficult budgetary situation facing Brussels’ municipalities, the region has opted to support a large number of projects across the entire region, rather than concentrating resources on a few large-scale projects.

Each municipality can apply for a grant of up to €700,000 and the grant can cover up to 100% of the total cost of the works.

The call for projects aims to achieve a more equitable distribution of sports infrastructure across the Brussels region, meaning neighbourhoods with fewer sports facilities will receive special attention.

The goal is also to “promote infrastructure suitable for all target groups and to encourage a more mixed and balanced use of the facilities”.